Integrated Catchment Plan of Te Henga

Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) is the method whereby an area is managed on a catchment scale, rather than on the basis of socio-political units (Van Roon and Knight, 2004, p.35). A catchment is that area in which, due to the lay of the land, all water flows into a water body, such as a stream or estuary (Van Roon and Knight, 2004, p.36), and it also includes the land surrounding the water.

Issues within the Te Henga catchment:

· Shifting sand is a problem within the site

· Narrow gateway for aquatic life to navigate

· Significant degradation by the invasion of pets

· Potential impact from future development

· Stormwater runoff from bank

· Erosion due to earthwork

· Habitat loss

Goals to avoid or mitigate issues:

· Maintain groundwater quality

· Protect stream banks from flooding

· Control of sedimentation in waterways

· Prevention of soil loss through dwelling development

· Increase habitat connectivity

· Increase habitat quantity

The water quality of the catchment, the aquatic life and habitats that live within is closely linked to the surrounding land use. The Te Henga catchment is very pristine compared to some of the urbanised catchments in the region. Therefore, it is essential that Te Henga catchment is protected from potential negative effects of future development. However, an inventory of the natural resources in the area indicates issues within the catchment, issues such as stormwater runoff, sedimentation and habitat loss. These issues could be avoided or mitigated by implementing the management techniques, and also take consideration of the current management plans. Despite the comprehensiveness and practicality of current management plans, adverse effects can only be avoided or mitigated if there is meaningful long term monitoring and proper implementation. Overall, it is essential for local council to build relationships with Te Henga community and developers to change their behaviour, rather than relying on engineering and technical solutions.

Van Roon, M. and Knight, S. (2004) Ecological Context of Development, Auckland: Oxford University Press.